Meet Our Staff
Ms. Meg Cosgriff: Co-Principal
Ms. Cosgriff began her teaching career at St. Christine School in Euclid and continued at St. Clare in Lyndhurst and St. Mary Magdalene School in Willowick. Her passion was helping students love math as much as she did! In 2000, after ten years in the classroom, she earned a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from Ursuline College. She felt it would be a privilege to touch the lives of children beyond those in a classroom. She was the principal of St. Jerome School in Cleveland and St. Ann/Communion of Saints School in Cleveland Heights before, in 2012, returning to Euclid and Ss. Robert and William School.
As a life-long resident of Euclid, and a member of Saints Robert and William Catholic Parish, she is thrilled to continue the advancement of the school, welcoming the youngest learners to our campus!
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a Teaching Certificate, Ursuline College
Master of Arts in Educational Administration, Ursuline College
Favorite Saint: St. Joseph
Favorite Children's Book: The Giving Tree, by Shel Silverstein
Mission:
In 1988, I entered my first classroom as a teacher. For the 23 years leading up to that moment I had relied on my parents, parish priests, religious sisters, and dedicated lay people to form me in the ways of faith. The seeds of faith had been planted, watered, and tended to, and it was now time to begin the career I had always dreamt of: teaching in a Catholic school.
It was this same year that the Congregation for Catholic Education, a department of the Vatican, wrote the following in response to Vatican II:
From the first moment that a student sets foot in a Catholic school,
he or she ought to have the impression of entering a new environment,
one illumined by the light of faith,
and having its own unique characteristics.
(Religious Dimension of Education in a Catholic School, 1988, n.25).
It is this guideline that touched my heart and became my daily mission as I embraced my vocation, my ministry.
Each day as I greet students entering the building, I pray they feel the love that permeates the building. This is not just a school – it is holy ground. It was built for the sole purpose of passing on the faith. By beginning each day making a connection with each student, calling them by name, and encouraging them to do his/her best, I hope to create that new environment.
My prayer is that now, as the dedicated lay person forming students in the ways of faith, the seeds of faith that have been planted, watered, and tended to, grow in these students so that the mission of the Catholic church ~ to make disciples of all people ~ is accomplished.
Mrs. Molly Lorek: Director
Mission:
Mrs. Angela Casey: Baby Angels
Mission:
Mrs. Kate Betters: Toddler Angels
Mission:
Mrs. Maria Carlson: Wee Angels
Mission:
To help each child gain independence, practice kindness, and learn to help one another by fostering a play-based, developmentally appropriate environment where they can reach their full God-given potential.
Mrs. Natalie Hemminger: Wee Angels
Mrs. Hemminger grew up in Euclid and attended school at St. William. She graduated from Bowling Green State University with a degree in Education before moving to El Paso, Texas. Mrs. Hemminger taught Kindergarten for three years in Texas, and had the honor of being picked as teacher of the year by her peers. After her daughter was born, she moved back to Euclid where she taught preschool for four years. She loves reading, drinking coffee, and most of all spending time with her daughter, Lily who is a student at SRW. As a former Warrior (class of 2001), Mrs. Hemminger looks forward to giving back to this faith community which has been her spiritual home her entire life.
Favorite Saint: St. John Paul the Great
Mission:
Mrs. Andrea Ralph: Little Angels
Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education/Prekindergarten, Lakeland Community College / Lake Erie College
Favorite Saint: St. Francis
Favorite Children's Book: Guess How Much I Love You, by Sam McBratney
Mission:
I have grown to have great pride and commitment in the early childhood field. The mission of my classroom is to teach each child as an individual. It is understood at the start that no two children are alike…nor do they learn and grow in the same way. Children do not grow and develop according to a rigid plan. With this in mind, the prekindergarten exists to provide opportunities for the growth and development of the whole child in an individual, accepting, non-judgmental way. In the SRW prekindergarten class, each child is viewed as a unique individual. Differentiated instruction is used each day in my classroom when teaching young children. Differentiation is to modify instruction that will help each child learn and grow; considering their different interests, talents, background knowledge, learning styles, abilities, and readiness. I also find it most important that young children are taught to value one another and show appreciation for one another. The children come to feel that they are part of a group in which they contribute lovingly and are accepted as who they are. We use grace and courtesy lessons for children. This helps the child feel comfortable with him/herself and with other people. As part of a Catholic education program, it is in the prekindergarten that we prepare for more formal instruction which will come in the years ahead. During the preschool-prekindergarten years, a child is developing good-decision making skills and forming good habits. He or she is developing a positive self-image in relationship to a loving God. I seek to provide an atmosphere to enhance development in all areas: religious, physical, emotional, social, and cognitive.
I wish to extend a special welcome to our unique program. I feel that it is very important to let you know that I take special pride in meeting your child’s individual needs and relating to you and your child on a personal basis. I base my teaching on a positive philosophy. I set my guidelines to develop the wisdom of acceptance and a good self-image. I take pride in setting a good example of character to help teach children to respect one another’s feelings and to create empathy for their peers, as well as, the importance of good relationships with the total family. You and your family are important to me. I promise to keep your child safe, loved, and happy in an enriching learning environment.
Ms. Ashley Higgins: Junior Angels
Ms. Higgins grew up on the East Coast and went to Middlebury College, a small liberal arts school. Throughout her career, Ms. Higgins had the pleasure of working in two outstanding Midwestern elementary schools as a Kindergarten teacher. In her free time, Ms. Higgins enjoys reading, exploring museums, and playing with her baby niece. She also loves traveling to Canada with her husband to hike, kayak, fish, and enjoy the outdoors. Ms. Higgins is thrilled to be part of the Ss. Robert and William community. She is looking forward to working with her new students to grow their knowledge both academically and spiritually.
Mission:
As an educator, my mission is to engage my students in a life-long pursuit and love of learning. I want my students to take ownership over their education and to see school as an opportunity for exploration. I encourage my scholars to face new challenges with curiosity and confidence in their abilities as learners and achievers. In my classroom, I strive to promote a nurturing environment to cultivate a positive social, emotional, spiritual, and educational setting. I see every moment as a learning opportunity to grow and learn together as a collective group of young scholars.
I am excited about this opportunity to meet, teach, and help our students realize their potential in the classroom, the church, and the surrounding community.